Letters To The Editor

March 05, 1992

SHIELDING WRONG?

I am wondering why the Daily Press so far to my knowledge has only published two inches of information on drug dealing in the Congressional Post Office. The Wall Street Journal covered it in an editorial on Feb. 19. Other newspapers covered it as well as some of the cable news networks.

FOR THE RECORD - Published correction ran Friday, March 6, 1992. A letter to the editor in Thursday's paper from Pax A. Goodson included an incorrect telephone number to call regarding contributions to Fort Fun. The correct number is 599-4280.

After all of the sleazy activities in Congress, it would seem appropriate for the Daily Press to keep us informed, or do you have a policy of protecting those at the top? If you consider this story unimportant, then you should have an editorial as to why it isn't important. Something is missing here and I can't put my finger on it.

Ivan R. Frey

Newport News

PENNIES FOR FUN

There is something wickedly exciting about a big pile of money, even if it is just pennies.

A very big pile of money was collected and turned in at the Pennies from Heaven event to benefit Fort Fun on Feb. 15 at Newmarket Fair. Collected at home by children and at many local businesses, scooped out of the mall's wishing well, over 250,000 coins filled the collection chest to overflowing. The children had a delightful time spreading the coins out on the floor of the mall.

In addition to penny collection, the Fort Fun organizers staged a full day of games and entertainment. Besides being fun for all involved, these events raised the day's total receipts to over $5,000.

I would like to thank everyone who helped make Pennies a success. Wesley and Marie Boyd and Christa Blomstrom did the organizing. Coins will be accepted until construction starts on Fort Fun on April 29. Use the collection cans in local shops or call Marie Boyd at 559-4280.

Pax A. Goodson

Fort Fun fund-raising coordinator

Newport News

CITY POWER PLAY

I have been reminded of a saying by an Australian government member who when asked what it was like to be in power, replied "that he had come to realize that they (his party) were in government but not in power."

I would suggest that this represents the current difference in local politics between Newport News and Hampton.

Newport News has had its power politicians in Joseph Ritchie, Aubrey Fitzgerald and Jessie Rattley, while Hampton still suffers under Jimmy Eason, Baxter Simmons and in the past Tom Gear, etc.

In Newport News, we are gradually realizing how lucky we are to have Barry DuVal for mayor and in government.

It is essential that in the coming elections we support those who will govern us, reform those on council who still use their position for power and convince them all, as a group, to serve the city and its future.

John B. Dawson

Newport News

UTILIZE MILITARY

Defense budget cuts are resulting in many military personnel being forced out of government employment. These people should be offered the option of remaining in the military for the purpose of repairing and rebuilding our decaying infrastructure.

Many of these people have served our country honorably and well, and had planned to remain in government service until they were eligible for retirement. Instead, they are being forced to return to civilian life, unprepared and untrained for other employment.

Why not give them the opportunity to continue in the service of our country rather than discarding them with little hope for other employment? It is obvious that our infrastructure is in need of repair. The pay scale for military personnel must be much lower than that of the private sector. Such a solution would allow these people to be retrained for other future employment while they serve our country. In times of military crisis, these people could be quickly converted back to their original purpose, defending our country.

This would be a great opportunity to get something done that needs doing, at a much lower cost, and also treat our military personnel with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Tom McAdoo

Hampton

PRIDE ALL AROUND

The Feb. 24 article "Are 3 York schools equal?" is a biased piece of journalism to which York parents and students have become accustomed. Some may call it sour grapes but Tabb does seem to receive more positive and prominent press. One example of this was the coverage York's 1991 baseball team received after advancing to the state tournament. The coverage was buried inside the sports pages instead of proudly printed on the front page of the sports section.

As for school pride, Tabb parents do not have a monopoly. I have been involved in York schools (Seaford Elementary, Yorktown Intermediate and York High) for many years. Be assured that York parents feel pride in their students and athletes also.

Jennie Singleton

Grafton

DISAPPEARING ACTS

For many years, the fish population in the Chesapeake Bay has shown a steady decline.

While there may be many reasons behind the dwindling numbers of fish - population, development, etc. - the single largest cause has got to be overfishing. Even if a more specific recovery plan is needed, a temporary ban on fishing - commercial and recreational - would seem to offer immediate relief to the fish in the bay.

Daily Press sports writer Warner Hessler is the only person to suggest an outright ban and offer suggestions to help the commercial fishermen affected. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission, as the protector of Virginia's fish stocks, should have done this itself. A one-year moratorium on all fishing in the bay and nearby Atlantic Ocean is a drastic proposal, and Hessler's thoughts on how to compensate commercial interests may be oversimplified. But at least it's a start. One thing is sure: If the VMRC continues on its current course, the problem will disappear along with the fish.